Neck Pain While Running
- August 23rd, 2009
- Posted in Featured . Q&A
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When I run I sometimes get pain in my left shoulder close to the base of my neck. It’s always the same pain, only the intensity varies. It started happening once I broke the 10-mile mark in my training. Any thoughts?
Sounds like it could be fatigue of the primary respiratory muscle – the diaphragm. As the diaphragm fatigues there is increased reliance on the accessory respiratory muscles – namely the scalenes, sternocleidomastoid, and upper trapezius – to elevate the rib cage and draw air into the lungs. Overuse of these muscles can lead to pain.
This problem should resolve with better conditioning. Focus on deep, diaphragmatic breathing while you’re running and breathe through your nose as much as possible.
If the problem persists, you may want to look into soft-tissue therapy. Trigger points can often develop in these muscles with overuse.
While there’s no substitute for a pair of expert hands, there are ways for you to work on yourself. The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook
Steven,
Great observations. Definitely sounds like substitution patterns for poor diaphragmatic function. Do you have any experience with PowerLung type products?
Best,
Carson Boddicker
I have quite a bit of experience with them, actually. The research on the PowerLung
is pretty interesting and I’ve been recommending that my athletes get one to supplement their other training for a couple of years now. The training can be a bit tedious but the results are definitely worth it. I use one myself and there is a noticeable difference in perception of effort during my lacrosse games when I am using it and when I am not.
Interesting. I’ll look into it a bit more. Curiously, have you ever developed any soreness in the diaphragm (DOMS type)?
Can’t say that I have.
Steve, why are you making a diagnosis? Are you an MD? How can the diaphram get fatigued with it is on all day? How about VO2 Max or EIB? Pain in the left shoulder can also indicate cardiac problems “Kehr’s sign” or possible some for of ischemic condition (e.g. Angina). Be careful!
Thanks for your concern, DOC. I have taken your advice and have included a disclaimer (see above). That said, it is true that the diaphragm is on all day. However, as the intensity and/or duration of activity increases so, too, does the demand on the diaphragm to supply oxygen to the working muscles. As with any muscle, effort beyond current capability will lead to fatigue. Think of the calves if you’d rather. They, too, are on all day yet they require specific conditioning to handle the demands of running long distances.
If you are interested in reading further, I’ve provided a link to a free review on this very topic.
Exercise-induced respiratory muscle fatigue: implications for performance.
Thanks for stopping by.